Next generation DECT cordless phone standard finalised

Stuart Corner
Tuesday, 04 May 2010 19:57

Business IT - Technology

The DECT Forum, ETSI and the Home Gateway Initiative (HGI) have announced completion of CAT-iq 2.0 related standards, the next generation of the DECT standard for cordless phones that is much less vulnerable to eavesdropping than the current standard

CAT-iq (Cordless Advanced Technology - Internet and Quality) is specified as ETSI Technical Specification TS 102 527-3 and provides full interoperability between devices from different vendors, a key requirement of the network operators represented by HGI.

According to ETSI, "With the standardisation of CAT-iq the integration of DECT into broadband IP-networks has been successfully concluded. This means that CAT-iq certified products can take advantage of IP connectivity to enable wideband telephony and data driven applications in the digital cordless phone market.

"The availability of this ETSI Specification, together with others already published, makes it possible for vendors and system integrators to develop CAT-iq 2.0 certified products, based on the ETSI standards."

The DECT Forum has set up a certification program for CAT-iq 2.0 end products (fixed part and/or portable part) to ensure a mandatory quality level and interoperability to specific product parameters and provide a consistent end-user experience.

DECT Forum chairman, Erich Kamperschroer, said: "The availability of this specification is a major milestone for the wired and wireless communication industry. I am expecting first innovative products, based on the new standard for telephony and data communication, in the second half of 2010.

Introduction of products based on Cat-iq will also address long-held concerns about DECT's lack of robust security.

CONTINUED